My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to

is

lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the cake

of a box to the side.

of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish

must sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

close her eyes and

must blow out

Rachel shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need to go

and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice piped

her head to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table height

clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake out to the

thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

icing on each other’s faces. Just like that,

smiled for the first time

to be so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care

as well

told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting

and headed toward the

her apartment and about to close the

door was propped open by

head up, Rachel saw Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all the more

he out on

slid sideways into the house and shut the

you’ve been getting

she took two steps back. Why are you

her as he pulled off

as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful days, would

her,

had no idea

hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and